Spent a very pleasant couple of days just revisiting some of the places that are on our doorstep.
RSPB Saltholme: Unfortunately the weather was not being kind so we just stayed inside the centre and had some lunch. The restaurant has a huge window wall overlooking one of the lakes and we could see Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, swans and some Tufted ducks landed right in front of us. There are some very pleasant walks around the lakes and there are several bird hides dotted about. You can hire binoculars if you don't have your own. They have a calendar of guided walks during the summer, if you're coming this way you need to book in advance. Google RSPB Saltholme for details.

Seal Sands: Just up the road from Saltholme is Seal Sands. It was a bit cold for us so we didn't visit this time but it's well worth it if you get the chance. It's part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve and has the only regularly breeding colony of Common Seals on the North East coast of England. They are wonderful to watch.

Preston Park Museum: It has recently reopened after major refurbishment. The museum houses a Victorian Street with various shops and a working Blacksmith's forge. Outside there is a childrens adventure play area, crazy golf and large lawned areas for running off surplus energy. When it's fine there's also a lovely riverside walk to follow. Also on the site is Butterfly World. Gorgeous butterflies with stunning colours and even some with transparent wings fluttering all around. One nearly landed on my shoulder but changed its mind at the last minute. They have an incubator where you can watch them hatching...you have to be very patient as they can take a while to fully emerge. There are also some lizards and meerkats.

Stewart Park: Literally 5 minutes away this park has also undergone some extensive renovations especially around the lakes. There is a visitor centre, 2 cafes, goats, fallow deer, Highland cattle, various birds including peacocks, The Captain Cook Museum and lovely landscaped grounds with some very intersesting mature trees. They have various events throughout the summer and host the Cleveland Show in July.

Roseberry Topping: Of course no visit to Blackthorn Gate is complete without a visit to Roseberry Topping. You can walk across public footpaths from the Lodges or go by car to the bottom. The walk to the top is not too difficult....depending on your fitness. It is quite steep though so be very careful especially if you have children. The view from the top is stunning but even if you don't reach the top it's a lovely walk. In May the woods are carpeted with bluebells.

Google any of these places and you'll find several sites with lots of information.